WORKING WITHIN UMR’S ACADEMIC STRUCTURE

OR…how to get things done!

Paula Lutz, DeanCollege of Arts and Sciences

GOOD ADVICE: Be nice to staff.

• They have all the answers!• They will share those with you IF you are not a

JERK.• If they don’t have the answer, they can often

find it for you.• They can “grease the skids” of your academic

life.• You can’t be too nice to staff.• Give them plenty of time when you need their

assistance. Thank them for their help. Congratulate them when something good happens.

A request to or from someone on the academic

side?• Trust your instincts--your interest and

desire should be balanced with a healthy suspicion!

• Let your chair and/or mentor run interference (don’t overextend!).

• IF you agree…PARTICIPATE…a little preparation goes a long way.

Money issues?

• If promises are made, immediately verify with the administrative assistant in charge of that area.

• Get it in writing (a polite e-mail, clarifying what you understood was going to occur).

• “Gentlemen’s agreement?” Gentlemen change!

Building and grounds problem?

• Water leak? Broken window?• Call Physical Facilities during regular business

hours.• Call x4300 (University Police) after hours or on

weekends.• If not an emergency—still be proactive—it’s

okay to be persistent—polite but firm.• If desperate, ask your chair to intervene.

Committee request?

• High visibility? • Heavy responsibility? • Large time commitment?• High risk/low payoff?• ASK AROUND (Mentor? Chair?)• Be cautious but not a hermit!

Research with a colleague in another department?

• Collaborations are great and very much recommended BUT…

• Make discreet inquiries with colleagues, your chair, your mentor, and VP-R Krishnamurthy.

• Want to collaborate with a winner, but also someone who will treat you well.

Problem with a student from another department? Or an

advisee has a problem rooted in another department?

• Use Academic Alert System for academic problems.

• Other issues may require a chat with the student’s advisor and/or chair.

• OR Harvest Collier (VP-UGS) OR Student Affairs (Student Advocate = Barb Prewett).

What do you do about a strange request?!?

• Stall with grace.• Ask who else is involved.• If you are uncomfortable with it,

refer to your Chair or mentor—let them “run interference.”

• AVOID PALACE COUPS.

GOOD ADVICE in SUMMARY

• You can’t be too nice to staff!• Trust your instinct for self-preservation.• Let your mentors run interference.• Get it in writing.• Alert administrative assistants to monetary promises.• X4300 University Police for emergencies.• Be cautious about committees but not a hermit.• Avoid high risk/low payoff commitments.• Seek collaborations with winners who treat you right.• Use campus resources and students’ advisors to iron out

classroom problems.• Avoid palace coups.